**CITY OF TIMMINS NEWS RELEASE**

As I stated last Friday, we know the next few weeks will be challenging. Last week we had our first identified case in Timmins, and the Porcupine Health Unit has released information that additional cases exist in Timmins. We can only assume that more cases will be identified in the upcoming days and weeks.

I want to re-emphasize that you need to follow the directions of public health – specifically to wash your hands and stay at home!

We have learned that the Premier will be making announcements tomorrow requiring non-mandatory workplaces to close. We will take our direction from the Province and implement it at the City, all the while ensuring the continuity of essential services.

In the meantime, our emergency response team continues to work in supporting the leadership of the Porcupine Health Unit during this emergency. We are coordinating our activities along with police and ambulance to best support the health system.

Make no mistake, these are serious times that require serious measures. Enforcement of the public health directives will occur by the Timmins Police Service as necessary.

I will repeat that there is no one with a greater vested interest in their own health or their family’s health than you. You can’t assume that anybody you’re dealing with has that same vested interest in it and that they are as concerned about your health as you are. You have to take the necessary precautions for the health of yourself and your family.